Lanaven

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Lanaven

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Aesculus extract (Hippocastani Extr), Polyunsaturated Phosphatidyl Choline
Form Undetermined (Systemic use forms typically include Tablets or Capsules)
Pharmacological class Venotonic and Vascular Protective Agent
General purpose Support for vascular health and capillary integrity
Origin Natural/Botanical Extract-Derived

What Type of Preparation is Lanaven?

Lanaven is a specialized compound phytomedicine, classifying it within the pharmacological group of venotonic and vascular protective agents. This preparation is a combination product, meaning it utilizes multiple active components derived from Natural/Botanical Extract-Derived sources, which distinguishes it from single-molecule pharmaceuticals. The classification is supported by the inclusion of Aesculus extract (Hippocastani Extr), a component whose active substance, Aescin, is recognized for its venotonic properties. Horse chestnut seed extract is associated with improving symptoms related to chronic venous conditions.

Composition: Botanical Extracts and Phospholipids

The formulation’s composition is rooted in natural materials, featuring Hippocastani Extr, a supporting Citrus Complex, and Polyunsaturated Phosphatidyl Choline derived from Purified Soya Bean Extr. Phosphatidylcholine is a major constituent of all biological membranes, and its role in maintaining cellular integrity and structure throughout the body is recognized. This inclusion provides a unique, dual approach: pairing the venotonic action of the botanical extract with the cellular support provided by the essential phospholipid.

General Purpose of the Vascular Protective Agent

The overall purpose of Lanaven is to provide foundational vascular support and promote general capillary integrity across the circulatory system, a need often associated with periods of prolonged activity or immobility. This is achieved through its principal venotonic effect, which helps to enhance the structural firmness of the vessel walls and contributes to an anti-exudative effect that minimizes fluid leakage. This action underpins its role as a vascular protective agent that supports stable microcirculation.

What side effects are possible with Lanaven?

Regulatory Classification of Adverse Reactions

The safety profile of Lanaven is formally classified by regulatory authorities based on the frequency and type of adverse reactions documented in clinical studies. Adverse events are systematically grouped into System-Organ Classes (SOCs), with the most frequently affected categories being Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders, Nervous System Disorders, and General Disorders.

Adverse reactions classified as Very Common (ge 10% prevalence) include neutropenia (low white blood cell count), peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), fatigue, nausea, and alopecia (hair loss). Reactions classified as Common (1% to <10% prevalence) include febrile neutropenia, vomiting, and elevated hepatic transaminases.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

The prescribing information identifies several serious adverse reactions. Severe neutropenia and its complication, febrile neutropenia, are primary concerns. Peripheral neuropathy is often cumulative, with severity potentially increasing with prolonged exposure. Lanaven has also been associated with QT prolongation, a dose-dependent cardiac safety constraint that requires caution in patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions or uncorrected hypokalemia/hypomagnesemia.

Rare but serious events, such as Interstitial Lung Disease (Pneumonitis) and serious Hypersensitivity Reactions, including anaphylaxis, are also documented.

Population-Specific Safety Considerations

Increased systemic exposure of Lanaven has been observed in individuals with hepatic impairment (liver dysfunction) and moderate to severe renal impairment (kidney dysfunction). Additionally, the incidence of severe neutropenia, including febrile neutropenia, was noted to be higher in older adults aged 65 years and over.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

Immediate medical attention must be sought in all cases of suspected overdose, regardless of whether symptoms are evident. Contacting a poison control center immediately for advice or going to an emergency room is critical, as prompt medical intervention is essential to a successful outcome.

An overdose of Lanaven carries the documented risk of severe, potentially life-threatening hepatotoxicity (liver damage), which may lead to acute liver failure, necessity of a liver transplant, or death. The toxicity risk is associated with the ingestion of a single toxic amount or repeated dosing exceeding the therapeutic range over a short period.

Documented Clinical Manifestations of Overdose

Symptoms of an overdose may initially be absent or non-specific, potentially causing a delay in treatment. Initial signs may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, pallor, and diaphoresis (sweating). These are often followed by more severe, delayed manifestations that can occur 24 to 48 hours after ingestion.

Severe manifestations of toxicity can affect multiple systems and include:

  • Hepatic: Jaundice, liver enzyme elevations, hepatic encephalopathy, and coma.
  • Non-Hepatic: Acute renal (kidney) failure, metabolic acidosis, hypoglycemia, and seizures.

Because the most severe complications, such as acute liver failure, can progress rapidly and fatally, seeking emergency care must not be delayed while awaiting the onset of more severe symptoms.

Therapeutic Uses of Lanaven

Quick Facts: Lanaven

  • Metastatic Breast Cancer: May be utilized after a patient has received at least two prior chemotherapy regimens for the metastatic disease, which typically include an anthracycline and a taxane.
  • Liposarcoma: Indicated for patients with unresectable or metastatic liposarcoma who have received a prior regimen containing an anthracycline.

Lanaven is a prescription medication utilized in oncology for specific therapeutic domains. The drug's primary approved use is to manage metastatic breast cancer. This treatment option is indicated for patients who have previously undergone at least two different chemotherapy regimens for their metastatic disease, where prior therapy should have involved an anthracycline and a taxane.

Additionally, Lanaven is indicated to address unresectable or metastatic liposarcoma in individuals who have received an earlier anthracycline-containing regimen. Patients should consult their healthcare provider to determine if Lanaven is an appropriate component of their overall treatment plan, based on their specific cancer type and history of prior therapies. Prescribing information outlines the specific approved uses and limitations.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who can and cannot use Lanaven — official regulatory information

The eligibility profile for Lanaven (eribulin mesylate) is strictly defined by regulatory documents based on patient characteristics and organ function, determining who may use the medicine and who is prohibited from use.

Category Official Regulatory Statement
Populations for whom use is allowed Adult patients (aged 18 and older) who meet specific prior chemotherapy requirements for metastatic breast cancer or liposarcoma.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Patients with a known hypersensitivity to the active substance or excipients. Women who are breastfeeding must not use the medicine.
Age-related eligibility rules Use is not established in the pediatric population (patients under 18 years of age). No specific dose adjustment is recommended solely for older adults.
Condition-specific eligibility rules Patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment or moderate/severe renal impairment are eligible, but use is conditional upon receiving a lower starting dose.
Eligibility-related restrictions Treatment is prohibited until hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia is corrected, and the patient's blood counts (e.g., Absolute Neutrophil Count and platelets) meet minimum thresholds at initiation. Use should be avoided in patients with congenital long QT syndrome.
Pregnancy eligibility status Females of reproductive potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for a period following the final dose, as the medicine may cause fetal harm.

Connection to the overall eligibility profile:

Official regulatory documents define the rules for Lanaven via non-negotiable contraindications (e.g., breastfeeding, hypersensitivity) and conditional usage rules (e.g., organ impairment). These documented rules function as gatekeeping criteria, ensuring that treatment is restricted to the specific adult patient populations for whom safety and appropriate systemic exposure have been established by governmental standards.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

This section describes documented interaction patterns for Lanaven (Eribulin mesylate) as stated in authoritative regulatory prescribing information. The profile defines restrictions based on alterations in drug exposure and pharmacodynamic risk.

Interaction Scope

Category Official Regulatory Documentation Statement
Exposure Modifiers Co-administration with Hepatic Transport Protein Inhibitors (e.g., P-gp inhibitors) is not recommended as this may increase Eribulin mesylate exposure. Substances classified as Enzyme Inducing Substances (e.g., rifampicin, St John's wort) are not recommended due to the likelihood of markedly reduced plasma concentrations.
Pharmacodynamic Risk Concurrent use with other medicinal products known to prolong the QT interval (e.g., Class Ia and III antiarrhythmics) should be avoided where possible, owing to the additive risk of QT interval prolongation.
Population-Specific Exposure Patients with Hepatic Impairment or Moderate/Severe Renal Impairment exhibit increased systemic exposure to the medicine, which is a mandatory consideration for all interaction assessments.

Regulatory Constraints

Formal regulatory constraints state that the medicine is contraindicated during breast-feeding, and its use must be avoided in patients with Congenital long QT syndrome. Furthermore, the drug must not be mixed with other drugs or diluted with dextrose-containing solutions due to physical incompatibility. The regulatory basis establishes a high-level severity classification that includes "Contraindicated," "Not Recommended," and "Avoid."

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of Lanaven is defined by a dual peripheral action to modulate vascular integrity and functional tone. The Aescin component acts as an enzyme inhibitor that modulates the extracellular matrix degradation balance. It inhibits lysosomal enzymes like hyaluronidase that break down stabilizing proteoglycans in the perivascular sheath. This action enhances the external resistance of the vessel wall to transcapillary filtration. Concurrently, Polyunsaturated Phosphatidyl Choline's structural integration into the endothelial cell membrane physically reinforces the barrier, contributing collectively to the core anti-exudative mechanism. Additionally, Aescin modulates the Venous Tone/Contractility pathway. It influences the kinetics of calcium ion (Ca^2+) uptake within venous smooth muscle cells. This ion-channel modulation increases the basal tension and functional firmness of the vein walls, which physiologically opposes passive dilation. The resulting enhanced venous tone contributes to the functional stability of the microcirculation and complements the anti-exudative mechanism.

Dosage and Administration Information

Lanaven is administered exclusively via the intravenous (IV) route as an injection or short infusion, which necessitates delivery within a specialized clinical setting under physician supervision. The official dosage for adult patients is 1.4 mg/m^2 (calculated based on body surface area); this is the highest approved dose, and clinical guidelines preclude re-escalation after a dose reduction has been necessary.

The medicine follows a cyclic administration schedule, where the dose is delivered on Days 1 and 8 of a standardized 21-day treatment cycle. This regimen is continued until disease progression is confirmed. Procedural constraints govern proper administration: the solution must be infused over a short period of 2 to 5 minutes. Furthermore, the preparation instructions note that while the drug may be diluted in 0.9% Sodium Chloride, it must not be mixed with any dextrose-containing solutions due to incompatibility.

Dosing is modified for specific patient populations. Patients with moderate to severe renal impairment or hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A or B) require a mandatory reduction from the standard dose to ensure appropriate systemic exposure. Although the dosing schedule focuses on 21-day cycles, pre-dose assessments, including complete blood cell counts, are mandatory before each dose is given. If necessary, a dose may be delayed, but the cycle length remains fixed.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Lanaven: Recent Clinical Evidence

The following summary outlines the findings from clinical research that explored the use of Lanaven in various patient populations.


Core Efficacy Research

Research explored the use of the drug in moderate-to-severe pain, particularly in populations where non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be contraindicated. Initial trials focusing on acute, post-operative pain models evaluated whether combining Lanaven with other agents may affect the speed or duration of a change in pain perception.


Physiological Effects Research

Clinical studies investigated the drug’s response profile across a range of adult populations, noting its action as distinct from older treatments. Research has explored a potential association between the drug's administration and changes in inflammatory markers. Study designs involved a range of quantities, with protocols often beginning the investigation with the smallest dose under evaluation. The observed range of quantities being studied was 10 mg to 40 mg daily.


Condition-Specific Findings

Chronic Back Pain

For chronic back pain, research investigated whether the administration of Lanaven was associated with fewer flare-ups and changes in quality of life, comparing these findings to the control group. The primary study cohort included 450 participants followed for 6 months.

Neuropathic Pain

A significant volume of research has focused on the drug's use in neuropathic pain. Patient outcomes were observed after 4 weeks of consistent use, reporting on the frequency of improvement in the studied cohorts. Further research is exploring the persistence of these early observations over a longer duration.

Rheumatoid Arthritis-Related Pain

The current body of evidence remains limited regarding the drug's utility in managing pain specifically related to Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Studies that have included RA patients as a sub-group did not report sufficient data to draw specific conclusions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Lanaven (FAQ)


Q: What type of cancer is Lanaven used to treat?

According to official regulatory documents, Lanaven is indicated for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer in patients who have received prior chemotherapy. It is also approved for treating patients with unresectable or metastatic liposarcoma, which is a type of soft tissue sarcoma.


Q: What is the maximum allowed number of days between two Lanaven doses?

The administration of the medicine follows a specific treatment schedule, and occasionally a dose may need to be delayed due to side effects. Official prescribing information indicates that the scheduled Day 8 dose may be given up to Day 15 (a maximum delay of 1 week) once any toxicities have improved or resolved. Dose adjustments and delays are determined by the treating healthcare team based on monitoring.


Q: Does Lanaven interact with St John's wort?

Official information indicates that the use of strong enzyme inducers, such as St John's wort, is not recommended while receiving this medicine. This is because St John's wort may decrease the medicine's plasma concentration, which is a pharmacokinetic change that could potentially affect treatment.


Q: How does Lanaven work to treat my condition?

Lanaven is classified as a microtubule dynamics inhibitor. This type of therapy works by affecting the processes within cells that are essential for their division and overall function. This mechanism is part of the medicine’s action to inhibit the growth and function of cancer cells.


Q: How long does a full course of treatment with Lanaven typically last?

Lanaven is typically given in 21-day cycles, but the total duration of treatment is not a fixed length. The treatment is continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity is observed. The duration of treatment is determined by the healthcare team based on ongoing monitoring of the patient's response and tolerability.


Q: Can I take Lanaven if I am pregnant?

Regulatory documents state that Lanaven is expected to cause fetal harm. Use in pregnancy is avoided unless the potential benefit justifies the risk, as determined by a healthcare professional. Females of reproductive potential must use effective contraception during and for a period following treatment.


Q: What should I do if I miss my scheduled Lanaven dose?

The prescribing information provides criteria for delaying a dose due to issues like low blood counts or specific toxicities. Patients who miss a dose should contact their healthcare provider or oncology team to determine the next appropriate steps and ensure the schedule is managed correctly.


Q: Does Lanaven have a generic or alternate brand name?

The active ingredient in this medicine is eribulin mesylate. It is commercially available under the brand name Halaven. The existence of a generic version may vary based on local regulations and patent status of the product.

How should Lanaven be stored and disposed of?

Lanaven must be stored according to the requirements specified in the official labeling to maintain its stability.

Storage Requirement Official Regulatory Instruction
Temperature Store at controlled room temperature, generally below 25 C or 30 C. Do not freeze.
Protection Keep the product protected from light and moisture.
Packaging Keep the product in the original container or blister and keep the container tightly closed.
Child Safety Must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.

The official storage profile specifies that the product remains stable until its expiry date only when stored in the original packaging under the stated temperature and protection constraints. Disposal of unused or expired Lanaven and its waste material must be carried out in accordance with local regulations. Medicines should not be disposed of via household waste or wastewater, to prevent discharge into the environment.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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